Ghana's crackdown on illegal gold mining prompts Chinese exodus
Tensions over illegal mining bring an exodus of immigrants who fear for their safety
When Su Zhenyu arrived in Ghana in 1995 to live his African dream, there were barely 100 Chinese people in the small, resource-rich country.
In the 18 years since, the 42-year-old Guangxi native has made a living in many different ways, including translator, casino manager, salesman and even as powerbroker between Beijing and Ghana's gold miners.
Su has witnessed the growth of Ghana's Chinese population from less than 100 to tens of thousands in recent years as immigrants poured into the country in search of gold.
And now he is witnessing the explosion of tension and violence between the Chinese immigrants - most of whom are involved in illegal gold mining - and the locals.
The Ghanaian government launched a campaign last year to fight illegal mining.
The Chinese miners are blamed for environmental degradation and depriving Ghanaians of millions of dollars in lost revenue. The increase in tension saw many Chinese robbed and attacked by locals, resulting in a big exodus in the past few weeks.